SIMI VALLEY : 4 Employees of Auto Repair Shops Held

Four employees of Simi Valley auto repair shops were arrested on suspicion of buying stolen property in a sting operation, authorities said Thursday.

No business owners were involved, said Simi Valley Police Lt. Bob Klamser. “There was nothing to indicate criminal behavior connected to the businesses,� Klamser said in explaining why police would not release the names of the shops.

Police arrested Donald Anspaugh, 44, of Oxnard, and Jose Segura, 26, Jose Acosta, 23, and Terry Curtis, 22, all of Simi Valley. The men were employed by four different auto repair shops, Klamser said.

Undercover officers from a multi-agency Auto Theft Task Force visited more than 20 auto parts and repair shops during the investigation, Klamser said.

As part of the sting, an undercover officer approached each business and offered to sell tires and tire rims for an amount far below the market rate, Klamser said. During the conversation, the officer said the items were stolen, Klamser said.

Prices paid in cash for the equipment ranged from $25 for a set of Mercedes Benz tires and rims valued at $1,800 and up to $100 for a set of tires that were worth $400, police said.